Today’s fast-paced world is packed with stressors. A near miss at a busy intersection. A snarling dog on our morning run. Running late to a meeting. Having an argument with a friend.
It can often seem like we’re in a constant state of fight-or-flight — the same feeling our ancient ancestors used to safely navigate the acute stress of physical danger is still with us today.
When we feel stress, our body releases the hormone cortisol to keep us alert and release glucose from our liver to create a source of fast energy.
This association with stress gives cortisol a bad reputation. The truth is we need cortisol. Cortisol helps our bodies do all kinds of things, such as regulate our metabolism, control our sleep-wake cycle and respond appropriately in stressful situations. We just need the right level of cortisol.1
Here are five strategies for maintaining balance2,3:
Get adequate sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night — enough to wake feeling rested and refreshed.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps lower stress and improve sleep, which can keep cortisol levels in check. Even better if you can exercise outdoors; spending time in nature is another natural stress reducer.
Practice deep breathing or meditation. Studies show that deep breathing can counteract the fight-or-flight response, helping lower stress and help regulate cortisol levels.
Find ways to manage stress more effectively. Keep a journal to help you identify the sources of stress in your life and develop strategies for better managing them.
Take more breaks. Even short pauses during your workday can help lower stress and keep your cortisol levels balanced.
Nutrition and Your Cortisol Levels
There also is a connection between your diet and cortisol. As you focus on your self-care this month, make sure your nutrition plan supports your body’s natural mechanisms for helping maintain healthy cortisol levels.
Adding Superfood Greens and Reds and Stress Support gummies to your regular routine can be a great way to do just that.* Get the nourishment you need for everyday wellness with our convenient Monthly Subscription.*
Eating a nutritious diet packed with colorful fruits and vegetables is fantastic for you, but it can be hard to consume all of the recommended daily servings. Superfood Greens and Reds is a convenient way to bridge any nutritional gap.*
One scoop of this delicious kiwi-strawberry flavored drink mix contains 20 plant-based ingredients that go way beyond the usual basic green powder. It is packed with Betaine, an amino acid found naturally in food such as beets, spinach, cereals and grains that has a range of health benefits, including supporting healthy cortisol levels, energy, performance and endurance.*
Stress Support
Need help dealing with everyday stress? You’re not alone. Stress factors are all around us. In one recent poll, 3 in 4 people said stress has had an impact on their health.4 Our Stress Support gummies are here to help!
These delicious gummies not only soothe stress but also support improved focus and mood.* They feature a supergroup of active ingredients such as GABA, L-Theanine, and Lemon Balm. And that’s not all — they’re also packed with essential vitamins A, C, D, E and Zinc to support cardiovascular health, the immune system, eye health, brain health, healthy skin and bone health.*
Add Mannatech’s Superfood and Stress Support to your Monthly Subscription today!
A healthy blend of vitamins and minerals is important for children everywhere. However, many of the foods being given to those in underdeveloped countries are not meeting the minimum nutritional criteria. Your participation in the M5M program makes it possible for us and our partners to provide nutrients to enrich the lives of children all over the world.
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